Meydan set for thrilling start

This week's opening fixture at Meydan looks well up to scratch for the time of the year and with Dh445,000 in prize money over the whole six races, and two worth 90k, quite understandably each contest is definitely going to be run to the wire!

Ali Rashid Al Raihe has wasted no time in getting Zain Shamardal out again and the 3-y-o, who made his UAE bow at Jebel Ali last Friday, has been quickly stepped back up in trip after finding a mile a little on the short side six days ago. Arriving here with a fitness edge he faces the starter over 1,900m, the last of six contests on the card.

Elsewhere, the Emirates Holidays Handicap is going to take some winning with the top four all rated over 100. Not bad considering these are the sort of ratings you need to compete at the Carnival.

Run over 1,200m, Esmail Mohammad unleashes the exciting Qamar for the season and the promising grey will surely be a popular pick-six selection. Awarded the race under controversial circumstances on his penultimate start last term after his challenge was severely impeded by Innocuous, (who finished first but was demoted to second) the son of Pivotal could develop into a real star and still seems to be improving. This, however, is his toughest task to date and he will have to take another step up the ladder to beat Alazeyab and Jaasoos; but I hope he does!

Dhruba Selveratnam, who got off the score board with Sarbola in the Maiden at Jebel Ali last Friday, relies on Mulaqat in the Emirates Airline Handicap and the son of Singspiel hasn't always looked that straightforward, but could be one to catch first time out. The ultra consistent Monte Alto looks the main danger while Achill Bay, off a nice low weight, could be worth keeping an eye on.

Before you ask, NO, I did not stay up to watch all of the Breeders' Cup, but did stay awake long enough to see the former Doug Watson inmate Force Freeze produce a remarkable effort in the Sprint. Owned by Saeed Nasser Al Rumaithi, the American-bred speedster is already a four-time winner in Dubai but always seemed to fall a little short when upped to better company on the Tapeta.

Now aged six the son of Forest Camp seems to have been revitalised since joining Peter Walder and has finished runner-up twice at the top level on his last two runs. Plans for a return to Dubai appear unlikely but you never know, he might just turn up in March for another tilt at the Golden Shaheen!

Too long

Thankfully the British Flat season finally came to a close last Saturday and about time too. Is it just me or does anybody else think it drags on way too long; especially after Champions' Day? Anyway, Paul Hanagan was crowned Champion Jockey for a second time and Richard Hannon the top trainer. Right, that's done; let's start the build-up to Cheltenham!